SKIN AND ITS CARE
Problems of the skin are often magnified in the mind
of a sufferer, which makes them seem more important
than they really are. A sufferer should have proper
' medical care and follow a prescribed program as long
as it is necessary and should avoid worry about his
condition. If he becomes interested in things and the
’• people around him, he can better see the problem in
its proper light. Of course, skin cancer, moles, and
fungus infections should be handled by a physician.
Acne, a common skin problem, is an inflammatory
disease of sebaceous glands. A skin disorder that af-
flicts most teen-agers and some adults, it causes black-
heads, pimples, and red inflamed swellings on the face,
chest, and back. Proper skin hygiene may help in the
prevention or control of mild cases of acne or keep
it from getting worse. Since acne is the result of in-
fection and clogged skin pores, cleanliness appears
very important.
It is believed that oily skin is influenced by heredity,
emotions, body activity, and climate. Regular cleans-
ing of the skin is desirable for health and cosmetic
reasons. Frequent face and hand washing is important
since cleansing removes oily secretions, sweat, dead
skin, dirt, and some bacteria. Most persons with acne
should scrub their faces thoroughly three or so times a
day with a wet wash cloth using mild, slightly drying
soap or detergent. Besides cleansing the skin, soap or
detergent dries the skin and causes the surface to peel.
This helps to keep the hair folicles open so that plug-
ging does not occur. The cleansers break down protein,
immulsify oils, remove debris and may have some
antibacterial effect.
Those having excessively oily skin sometimes can
use an astringent two or three times daily on such
oily areas as the nose, forehead, and chin. However,
when any unusual redness or irritation developes, the
astringent should be discontinued.
Sometimes skin problems reflect a person's general
health. Acne can be improved to some degree by ade-
quate rest, at least a moderate amount of exercise, and regular eating habits. Emotional upsets and tension
may add to the problem.
Irritants such as hair permanent solutions.and heavy
cosmetics should be avoided during acne flare-ups. Be-
cause heavy make-up cloggs the skin pores, it should be
left on for only limited periods of time and removed as
soon as possible.
Diet is also important to acne victims. Food from
the four basic food groups should be chosen each day.
However, foods that affect some individuals should be
used sparingly. Among them are chocolate, nuts, pea-
nut butter, sea food and shell fish, large amounts of
dairy products, dark colored carbonated beverages,
fried foods, sweets and spicy foods.
Suggested Activities
a.	Present above information.
b.	Have a group discussion of special problems with
acne; or
c.	Have a panel or symposium made up of persons
who have had the acne problem and have been
on a corrective program to aleviate it.
d.	Invite a physician or nurse to discuss acne.
Cooperative Extension Service, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, Lafayette, Indiana